Description

Vivo sensor basin tap for cold or premixed water, performs with outstanding energy efficiency and therefore saving costs while displaying an elegant accessible layout and reducing bacteria transfer. IFS131 holds the "A" Water Efficiency Label granted by the European field industry. Furthermore, its exclusive chrome plated design with quality brass manufacture brings not only a deluxe touch, but also ensures durability and vandal resistance at demanding commercial washrooms. As an example, its 60 seconds cut off time prevents water waste and misuse. Likewise, the solenoid valve and sensor are made to last for the whole lifetime of the product.

To customise the experience and ease maintenance, several useful features are available, like the 10 second hygiene flush when the pillar tap has not operated for 24 hours. Although a remote control is available as an accessory, staff can adjust the settings without it; they just interact with the front sensor following the indications included in the manual below. Also, such an IP65 rated tap is equipped with a 6V lithium battery inside the spout body, so there is no need to access the area under counter.

Please note that this electronic tap comes with only one water inlet. Should you intend to premix water, the system would require a compatible mixing valve, whether manual or thermostatic.

Convenient for the environment, visitors and staff as well as for the décor or facility costs in the long run, Vivo sensor tap seems a very comprehensive choice for customers that expect the best.

Automatic taps should be easily operated, as Approved Document M requires. Other requirements will be up to the installer, like fixing the basin tap at the right distance from the WC and floor or setting a safe temperature for the users.

For further details about these topics, please, read our blog post about Doc M taps.

This sensor tap has one filter per water supply (included in the package), in order to be placed before the solenoid valve. Furthermore, the tap aerator in the spout will also act as a filter.

Like in any type of tap, filters must be taken out and washed regularly with running water. In particular, the solenoid valve diaphragm should be checked every 6 months.

There are two situations when the upkeep is essential:

After the installation, since a lot of dust is spreaded during the process.

After a water cut, this liquid will have dirt.

How do infrared taps work?

By clicking here, you will access an infographic that depicts how sensor taps work.

Anything practical to know about infrared sensors?

The proximity sensors in our taps and some soap dispensers use active infrared technology: they detect the infrared radiation that a close object (in their range) reflects back. This means that hands, washroom accessories or just even dirt near them will activate them.

Furthermore, infrared sensors can misinterpret certain situations and open the solenoid valve when they are not suppose to:

Mirrors and very reflective finishes (like polished chrome) in front of them will send confusing signals if they are closer than 1.5 metre to the tap. One must be careful for example with the elements of the basin bowl: the spout of wall-mounted sensor taps should be at least 300mm away from the bottom of the sink and not facing a shiny basin plug. Tap sensors can also react if a person is wearing striking garments.

Other infrared sensors opposite them also imply unintended triggers.

Therefore, we encourage you to read the installation guidelines the manufacturer provides and accept that accidental unlocks are a (rare) fact.

Why would (not) you recommend a sensor tap?

We've compared different types of faucets and we've found a lot of advantages of sensor taps, specially for commercial bathrooms and public toilets. You can read them in this blog post, including a few less positive considerations.

You can also check this summary:

Advantages

Water conservation

Energy saving

Reducing costs in the bill

Easily operated by any user

Cut off time to prevent misuse

Customisation once for good

A cleaner washroom (no dirty handle, less splashes, no sink overflow)

No cross-contamination

No corrosion (depending on the model)

One remote control can adjust infinite taps

Neutral features

Users will have to learn how to use them (once)

Maintenance is required, like any other tap

Batteries must be replaced

Disadvantages

Greater initial investment

Remote control to change settings

Power cut would entail no operation

Infrared sensors can make mistakes

Animals activate them as well

Some internal parts may favour bacteria

More likeliness to replace the whole unit

We advise you to assess what points are more relevant and frequent according to your needs and the location of the tap.